What is affirmative action? A history of the college admissions practice

The Supreme Court ruled affirmative action in college admissions at Harvard and UNC are unconstitutional. The repercussions could be far-reaching.

• Jun 29, 2023

Supreme Court ends affirmative action

The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that college admission policies that consider race as a factor violate the Constitution, bringing an end to affirmative action in a decision that is likely to reverberate across college and university campuses nationwide. Gayle King anchored CBS News' special report.

• Jun 29, 2023

Obamas react to affirmative action decision

Former first lady Michelle Obama said her "heart breaks for any young person out there who's wondering what their future holds" following the Supreme Court ruling striking down the use of affirmative action in college admissions. Former President Barack Obama said affirmative action, while not perfect, "allowed generations of students like Michelle and me to prove we belonged." Ed O'Keefe has more.

• Jun 29, 2023

How Harvard's admissions process may change after the Supreme Court ruling

Some states have already banned race-conscious college admissions policies. Here's what happened to schools in those regions.

• Jun 29, 2023

Read the fierce dissents in the Supreme Court's affirmative action ruling

"With let-them-eat-cake obliviousness, today, the majority pulls the ripcord and announces 'colorblindness for all' by legal fiat," Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wrote.

• Jun 29, 2023

How each Supreme Court justice voted on the affirmative action cases

Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion for both cases.

• Jun 29, 2023

Read the Supreme Court's decision on affirmative action in college admissions

The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that race-conscious admission policies of Harvard College and the University of North Carolina violate the Constitution.

• Jun 29, 2023

How colleges use affirmative action

The Supreme Court will likely decide if affirmative action can be used in the college admissions process this week. The two cases before the court build off decades of debate and legal challenges. Lana Zak has more on this.

• Jun 28, 2023

Supreme Court decisions expected in key cases

The Supreme Court has 10 opinions left to release this term. If the court stays true to its schedule, this week, there will be potentially historic judgements on affirmative action in college admissions and student loan forgiveness. Major Garrett reports from the Supreme Court.

• Jun 27, 2023

North Carolina governor on abortion law

In the last few days, North Carolina Republicans rolled out adjustments to a new law set to take effect Saturday that bans most abortions in the state after 12 weeks, including clarification that medication abortions also are allowed up until 12 weeks. Democratic legislators say the changes are meant to thwart a federal lawsuit filed last week. North Carolina Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper joins "America Decides" to discuss the future of abortion rights in his state.

• Jun 26, 2023

CBS News poll: Most say colleges shouldn't factor race into admissions

Attitudes can be connected to perceptions of discrimination; but affirmative action more generally finds narrow support.

• Jun 21, 2023

Opponents, supporters of affirmative action face off

With the Supreme Court poised to decide two cases challenging the use of race as a consideration in college and university admissions, correspondent Rita Braver talks with the man responsible for launching multiple cases against affirmative action in higher education, as well as with advocates for and against maintaining the policy.

• Jun 4, 2023

Affirmative action opponents, supporters debate "colorblind" college admissions

With the Supreme Court poised to decide two cases challenging the consideration of race in college and university admissions, advocates both for and against discuss maintaining or eliminating the policy.

• Jun 4, 2023